By Foday Moriba Conteh
As November unfolds, the spotlight turns to the vibrant entrepreneurial landscape of Sierra Leone with the commencement of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2023. Innovation SL, a pivotal entrepreneurship support organization, once again assumes the role of the national host, orchestrating a series of events aimed at celebrating, supporting, and inspiring entrepreneurs throughout the country.
Since 2017, Innovation SL has been the driving force behind GEW in Sierra Leone. From the inaugural event at Sensi Tech Hub to the grand gatherings at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology and the British Council Hall, GEW has evolved into a cornerstone of the nation’s entrepreneurial calendar. The week consistently brings together diverse stakeholders, including government representatives, financial institutions, educational bodies, NGOs, and ambassadors.
Last year’s GEW kicked off with a thought-provoking “state of the ecosystem” debate, featuring luminaries from SMEDA, DSTI, UNICEF, and SLEDP. The overarching theme, “Unleashing Ideas,” was echoed in national discussions on education, ecosystems, inclusion, and policy.
A notable highlight of GEW in Sierra Leone is the Dare2Aspire-Women in Entrepreneurship event. Aimed at unlocking the potential of women entrepreneurs, this day-long event includes a Women in Tech panel, a Dare2Aspire pitch event, and a Green Economy Fashion Show celebrating sustainable fashion.
“Dare2Aspire is dedicated to inspiring and empowering female entrepreneurs, fostering innovation, and creating an inclusive entrepreneurial environment,” highlighting the commitment to addressing challenges, providing opportunities, and promoting financial inclusion for women in business.
As the anticipation builds, GEW 2023 promises a week filled with innovation, inspiration, and entrepreneurial spirit. Each day is themed to address specific aspects of entrepreneurship, starting with “Education” on Day 1, followed by “Inclusion” on Day 2, and a focus on women in entrepreneurship on Day 3. Day 4 will delve into policy and ecosystem matters, concluding with a sustainable fashion show and networking cocktail party.
The theme for Day 1 is “Education”. Innovation SL will be partnering with the IPAM University of Sierra Leone to organize activities based on the theme. This year, the week will start off with an opening ceremony of Global Entrepreneurship Week 2023, followed by a poem from Innovation SL on entrepreneurship and education, a round table discussion on the challenges and opportunities for local small businesses, and a public lecture on entrepreneurship development in Sierra Leone, which will bring together entrepreneurs, educators, policymakers, students, and corporate executives.
Day 1 – Education Round Table Discussion on Challenges and Opportunities for Local Small Businesses (13:30 – 15:00) and Public Lecture on Entrepreneurship Development in Sierra Leone (15:30 – 16:30).
The theme for Day 2 is “Inclusion.” Innovation SL will partner with the National Youth Employment Entrepreneurship Fair (NYEEF), a networking and learning event for young people aged 18–35. The partnership between Innovation SL and NYEEF started in 2022. The partnership for this year will feature a pitch event hosted by Innovation SL at the Freetown International Conference Centre in Aberdeen at 14:00 – 16:00pm.
Day 2 – Inclusion: Pitch Event at Freetown International Conference Centre in Aberdeen (14:00 – 16:00)
A standout event, day 3 the Dare2Aspire-Women in Entrepreneurship in Sierra Leone is dedicated to unlocking the potential of women in entrepreneurship, addressing challenges and opportunities, and promoting financial inclusion. With a women’s panel, Women & Girls pitch night (with a chance to win seed capital), business expo, and financial clinic, it aims to inspire and empower female (under 18 and above) entrepreneurs; foster innovation, and create an inclusive entrepreneurial environment.
Day 3 – Dare2Aspire Women in Entrepreneurship Demo Day Exhibition (Whole Day), Financial Clinic by JIT Capital (12:00 – 13:30), Women in Entrepreneurship Panel Discussion (14:30 – 15:15) and Dare2Aspire Junior & Senior Pitch Event (15:30 – 18:00) all at Bank Complex, Kingtom in Freetown.
Policy and Ecosystem are the themes for Day 4. A panel discussion will be hosted by Innovation SL composed of enablers in the ecosystem and policymakers who will be discussing the topic “Enabling the Ecosystem”. The panel will comprise representatives from DSTI, Limkokwing, IPAM, SMEDA, UNICEF etc. and a sustainable fashion show and a networking cocktail party will climax the week until next year.
Day 4 – Policy and Ecosystem: Panel Discussion: “Enabling the Ecosystem” (14:30 – 15:30), Sustainable Fashion Show (16:30 – 20:00) and Networking Cocktail Party all at Empower Africa 10th Floor New Freetown City Hall in Freetown.
GEW 2023 in Sierra Leone promises to be a pivotal moment for entrepreneurs, innovators, and all those passionate about the entrepreneurial spirit. Stay tuned for updates, insights, and success stories from this dynamic week dedicated to fostering collaboration and celebrating the entrepreneurial journey.
